Myanmar nationals refuse to leave Sri Lanka

Ridma Dissanayake

The 32 Myanmar nationals rescued by the Sri Lanka Navy refused to go back to their country, the Police said yesterday.

Police sources said the Myanmar nationals, who reportedly belong to the minority Muslim Rohingya, said they left the country with no hope of returning.

Sri Lankan authorities detained 17 of the 32 rescued until they are handed over to the Myanmar government.

The rest are also to be detained at the Mirihana Transit Detention Camp through the Galle prisons by the Galle Magistrate's Court after producing them to before the magistrate.

Authorities said Sri Lanka has no intention to bring charges against them under immigration regulations. The Navy rescued the 32 Myanmar nationals last Saturday drifting in a boat about 250 nautical miles off the eastern seaboard.